The Focus Minute

The Focus Minute


Latest Episodes

Toxic Productivity?
September 01, 2021

Huh.  What the heck is "toxic productivity" and how does it relate to the tips/principles we've discussed in prior episodes?  Find out in today's episode!

The Four Laws of Behavior Change
August 03, 2021

What's the secret to building and maintaining good habits?  In today's episode, Mike reviews the Four Laws of Behavior Change as explained in the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.  It's a phenomenal book folks, check it out at https://jamescl

Determining the value of your time
July 23, 2021

Is it worth your time to constantly deal with a printer paper jam?  What about a really slow computer?  In today's episode, Mike walks through some simple formulas for quantifying the value of your time during the work day.  Special thanks

Quick Tasks
July 08, 2021

There's large time-consuming tasks... and then there's things that can be completed in an instant.  What about the stuff in between? In today's podcast, Mike discusses "quick tasks" and the best times to work on them. 

Measuring and assigning value to tasks
June 04, 2021

What happens if we quantify the amount of time we have in the day and measure the value of the tasks we're spending time on? Today we'll talk through this thought exercise. 

Sleep
May 21, 2021

Sleep.  We know we need to get more of it, but why? And how specifically does it help with productivity? Find out as we as we scratch the surface of this area thanks to noted author Eric Barker. 

Gamification
May 14, 2021

Can you be more productive by treating everyday tasks like a game? Maybe. In this episode, Mike introduces the topic of gamification including its common framework. 

Nightly Routines
May 07, 2021

Want to start your day off right? Prepare for it the night before!  In this episode, we'll talk about the value of preparing for your next day and establishing routines for effective streamlining and automation. 

Learning Tips
April 30, 2021

In today's episode, we'll explore four tips for learning information more effectively and efficiently.  For more information on this topic, check out Barbara Oakley's free coursera course "Learning How to Learn". 

Five Steps of the GTD Methodology
April 23, 2021

Wondering where to start when it comes to productivity?  Check out David Allen's book "Getting Things Done".  In today's episode, Mike review the five steps of the GTD Methodology.